The Consolation of Being a Yankee

Living in southern Illinois can only be defined by a handful of words. Some of these words include lame, boring, or empty. I had the unfortunate privilege of living in this state for eighteen long years. I grew up in the small town of Mascoutah where everybody knew everybody. Literally everyone knew everyone. Usually when people think of Illinois, their minds go straight to the intriguing city of Chicago. I am here to tell you that I live nowhere near Chicago. I live next to corn fields and numerous populations of cows. All my life I couldn’t wait to get away from that boring state and venture somewhere actually worth my time.

While I have been ranting on and on about my less than interesting state, a figure has presented itself in the corner of my dorm room. It appears to be an elderly woman, almost resembling an image of my grandmother. She has an empty expression, but when she speaks, I cannot help but listen to what she has to say. The very first words she speaks are, “Aren’t you tired?” Puzzled, I give her a look of confusion, “Yes, in fact, I’m always tired but why are you asking me this question?” “You keep speaking nonsense about how Illinois is a waste of your time. You can’t sit there and act like that isn’t where you grew up and became the woman you are today. You do not mean these things about your home.” I shake my head, brushing off her remark. “You don’t understand how sick of that place I am. I couldn’t wait to get away from everyone and everything.” The woman overcomes a look of hurt. “You’re telling me that you are sick of your closest friends and family. Are you sick of me? You know I am your grandmother who loves you and cares about you. I am just as much of a yankee as you are.”

I sit in silence, trying to figure out how to respond. “I was not trying to offend my friends or family. I was simply saying that I was tired of the state in general. There is nothing to do besides sit inside and watch T.V.” The self proclaimed yankee grandma gave me a look of stupidity. “You know darn well there is plenty to do. And there is also plenty of people to do stuff with. For goodness sakes, you live right next to the vibrant city of St. Louis. Do you not go here all the time with your friends and enjoy yourself?” I look down in realization and answer her with, “I suppose you are right. I do enjoy being so close to a baseball stadium and a hockey rink. Nobody really pays much attention to St. Louis Cardinals and Blues hockey down here in the Gump.” She smiles a gentle smile and says, “And wouldn’t you agree that my very home of Edwardsville has all the restaurants and shopping locations that you love going to?” I shake my head, agreeing with her.

“Okay, well I was still tired of seeing the same people everywhere I went. I wanted to get away and experience something new. There is nothing wrong with that!” “That is where you are wrong, my child. You think you mean no harm, but you go out of your way to leave the ones you love. You must not forget about your three best friends who love you very much and who you grew up with. Almost all of your family members are also from Illinois so you had all time access to them. They were always there for you, yet you ‘simply’ say that you want to get away from them?” “I understand your point but I was not forgetting them.” She closes her eyes and holds a hand up to stop me from going further. “I was not saying you want to forget them. However, your words have a side affect of how you view your loved ones. You should appreciate that you came from a good home with a good family and good friends. Do you not miss them every day that you are away from them?” I shake my head in agreement, realizing her whole message.

“I do admit, I have spoken poorly of my home.” She speaks in agreement, “Certainly you have. You must always remember where you came from in a positive light because where you came from made you who you are today. You must never take your family and friends from Illinois for granted. I believe you have realized this and will learn to embrace your true nature of being a yankee.” She slowly fades away, leaving me with my thoughts all jumbled in my mind. No, Illinois is not that bad. My yankee grandma was right. Illinois shaped me into the woman I am today and I can honestly say I am proud of where I come from.